Symptoms

The main symptom of infertility is the inability of a couple to get pregnant. A menstrual cycle that's too long (35 days or more), too short (less than 21 days), irregular or absent can be a sign of lack of ovulation, which can be associated with female infertility. There may be no other outward signs or symptoms.

When to see a doctor

When to seek help depends, in part, on your age.

If you're in your early 30s or younger, most doctors recommend trying to get pregnant for at least a year before having any testing or treatment.

If you're between 35 and 40, discuss your concerns with your doctor after six months of trying.

If you're older than 40, your doctor may want to begin testing or treatment right away.

Your doctor also may want to begin testing or treatment right away if you or your partner has known fertility problems, or if you have a history of irregular or painful periods, pelvic inflammatory disease, repeated miscarriages, prior cancer treatment, or endometriosis.

Fertility: An overview — A guide for patients. American Society for Reproductive Medicine. http://www.asrm.org/Templates/SearchResults.aspx?q=fertility:%20An%20overview%20-%20a%20guide%20for%20patients. Accessed May 21, 2013.

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